Bahrain GP Preview: Sauber

Marcus Ericsson: “I am looking forward to the first night race of the season. It is always spectacular and good fun. Bahrain is a track I know very well from previous racing series, and I have been there quite often. The track has some long straights, slow-speed corners with hard braking zones, as well as high-speed corners with fast changes of direction.”

“Overall the circuit is technical and drivingwise not an easy one. Another aspect which comes into play is the sand blowing onto the track. We need to keep an eye on that, as the circuit is usually quite dusty for the first sessions and then picks up more grip during the weekend. Especially with the strong package and after the good result in China, we need to build on that and continue to fight for points. I feel confident we will also be able to be competitive there. I am looking forward to another good race weekend.”

Felipe Nasr: “For the Bahrain Grand Prix we expect much warmer weather conditions than in China. It is a track which I am familiar with, as I have raced there often. It can be positive for us that the circuit has a few straights due to our high top speed. In Bahrain there are three facts which are important for a good lap time: Braking stability, traction, as well as a good balance for the car in the high-speed coners in sector two.”

“I also expect we need to work on good tyre management, because that can be very tricky in those warm conditions. Although it is a race that starts in the evening, the surface stays quite warm. It is not my first night race, as I did one in Abu Dhabi during my GP2 Series season. I am looking forward to it, and I hope we can keep the momentum from China.”

Giampaolo Dall’Ara, Head of Track Engineering – “With minimal room to debrief after the Chinese Grand Prix, the race team is on its way to Bahrain for the first night race of the season. The circuit is fairly different in terms of layout and the ambient temperatures will be appreciably warmer compared to the last race in Shanghai.”

“Aerodynamic efficiency, strong braking and power output will play a major role, and the Sauber F1 Team is aiming to further progress with upgrades on the Sauber C34-Ferrari, especially on the aerodynamic side. The same medium and soft compounds that were supplied for Melbourne and Shanghai will be available here. However, the more abrasive tarmac of the Bahrain circuit could open up some interesting strategy scenarios, which could add some extra excitement.”

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